Abstract
WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC? Pneumoconiosis, recognized as one of the most detrimental occupational diseases in China, exhibits a multimorbidity profile due to a plethora of comorbidities and complications. These factors significantly influence the treatment outcomes, progression, prognosis, and overall quality of life of the afflicted patients. WHAT IS ADDED BY THIS REPORT? The present study examined the prevalence and types of comorbidities, encompassing 13 common diseases or conditions, within cases of pneumoconiosis across 27 provincial-level administrative divisions (PLADs) in China. Distinctions in multimorbidity distribution by gender, urban vs. rural areas, stages of pneumoconiosis, and the smoking index were considered. Furthermore, the study investigated the patterns of multimorbidity. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE? This study serves as a reference point for the formulation of treatment strategies and health policy development concerning pneumoconiosis in China.